Though we are often asked what we will need to DO in order to step out of our comfort zones, it is less common to consider who we will need to BE to successfully get along with others and create an atmosphere of team and collegiality.

As participants choose a STAND they learn to step-out of normal behaviors and patterns, and in doing this, they are able to BE in the world differently.

Key Benefits:

Clients say their STANDS have dramatically changed the way they relate in their teams and in the world.

Results come more quickly for these clients.

The process of achieving results feels much more powerful.

Accountability is self-generated when participants commit to a STAND for themselves.

Comfort Zones

Participants and coaches discuss current areas of comfort that each participant may have. For example, what are habits each individual may have that already support teamwork, versus where does the individual seem "comfortably stuck". (Examples include habits of socializing, gossiping, routines of working that may not be productive, ways of thinking about others, and structures that are default.) Some examples of common work comfort zones are: overwhelm, procrastination, overworking, victim-mentality, stress, cheerleading, leader, distrust, whining instead of requesting, etc.)

Benefits and costs of these "comfort zones" are discussed. For example, "what is the payoff of my habit of being overwhelmed all the time? How might this habit be costing me and the group, if at all?"

Key Benefits:

Comfortable or "stuck" behaviors and ways of thinking are revealed.
Participants recognize positive and negative aspects of any of these comfort zones.

Encourages accountability for creating a positive impact.

Improves good communication, efficiency and team spirit.

Out with the Old; In with the New!

In any group that has history together there are undoubtedly beliefs, feelings, and experiences that linger for each member of the group that can hinder movement forward. Any attempt to progress will be hampered by the weight of these factors. This exercise is designed to clear these roadblocks in a highly private and effective way, leaving each member of the group aware of their responsibility in creating the group’s past and future success. (This exercise is done on an individual basis in private work with worksheets.)

History is erased, leaving the group free to work from a "clean slate".

Group members return to work eager to produce, and committed to positive outcomes.

Goal Naming/Claiming

The team collectively decides on a goal to pursue by year’s end. Next, each member decides upon one professional goal that he or she will commit to achieving personally by the end of the year. Everyone “goes public” with their individual goals by stating them to the other participants in a formal way.

Key Benefits:

The intersection between company and personal goals is investigated.
Rules for creating "worthy" goals are taught.

Everyone walks away with a written action plan.

Participants challenge themselves to create what they really want

Participants step into accountability in a gentle way with others on the team.

Goal definition helps individuals to clarify what their future may look like if they continue to pursue progress.

Injects participants with energy, motivation and focus.

Causes co-workers to learn about each other in a practical, profound, and inspiring way.

Bull’s Eye

In this light-hearted exercise the group is split into smaller groups or “teams”. A member of each team is blindfolded and asked to “pin the dot on the bull’s eye”. One rule is given: You may not touch anyone. Many obstacles are placed in the person’s way, as he or she tries to get to the target. The team that has had all members successfully “bull’s eye” wins the game.

Key Benefits:

Elicits a ton of laughter and fun

Slyly demands teamwork

Teams learn how to overcome the obstacles placed in their way

Several key lessons are highlighted, including the many ways we make up rules that aren’t really there, and the ways in which we all get comfortable in groups that may not serve the group goals.